Congress will work just 133 days in 2025. Twelve days in July. None in August. The rest of the country is clocking in while DC is off the grid.

Congress just published the 2025 schedule. Out of 365 calendar days, the chambers are set to meet on 133. That is roughly one out of every three days. The rest is labeled for travel, district visits, or recess. The Capitol floor will stay mostly quiet.

July is limited to twelve working days. August is entirely off. Zero sessions planned. This comes as deadlines for budget reconciliation, defense reauthorization, and appropriations stack up. The federal government will be staffed at half-strength during critical weeks.

The House calendar confirms that 27 of the 52 weeks hold three or fewer session days. There are sequences with just one gavel scheduled. The Senate follows a near identical rhythm. Fly-in Mondays with no votes. Fly-out Thursdays by midday. Committee work continues behind the scenes but actual floor action slows to a crawl.

This pattern has gotten worse over the last three cycles. In 2023, Congress worked 139 days. In 2024, it dropped to 135. Now it is 133. Meanwhile, legislation has stacked up. Immigration policy remains frozen. Infrastructure negotiations are stuck. The debt ceiling may return by the fourth quarter. FAA authority is due to lapse. But the chamber will be on break for more than half the year.

Everyday workers do not get these luxuries. The average full-time employee clocks around 240 workdays annually. That includes short weeks, holidays, and paid time off. Most Americans work through emergencies. Elected officials step out for them.

https://rollcall.com/app/uploads/2024/12/2025CQRCCongressionalCalendar120624.pdf

https://pressgallery.house.gov/schedules/2025-house-calendar

https://www.congress.gov/calendars-and-schedules

Israel, Syria talks hit roadblock over issue of IDF operating in Syrian territory

Israel and Syria are in security talks with major challenges, aiming for peace but facing hurdles that could lead to a 'cold peace' rather than full reconciliation.

The administration of Al-Sharaa has made it clear that under any agreement, Israel will not be permitted to operate or strike targets within Syrian territory. Israel, on the other hand, insists on retaining the ability to address security threats, particularly in scenarios where, as demanded by the Damascus administration, Israel withdraws from the buffer zones.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-859543

Smotrich says he'll oppose ending Gaza war 'with all his heart'

"I can tell you with all my heart that it won’t happen. I’m talking to [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu about it, and I don’t get the impression that he’s on his way there," Smotrich said.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated he would oppose any agreements that would include ending the fighting in Gaza in a press conference on Monday.

"I can tell you with all my heart that it won’t happen. I’m talking to [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu about it, and I don’t get the impression that he’s on his way there," Smotrich said.

"If anyone thinks about going there, they’ll meet a wall that won’t let them do it."

Ben-Gvir: We must eliminate Hamas and solve the 'Gaza problem'

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that he would not allow Hamas to continue ruling Gaza in exchange for the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

"It is time to stop the slogging in the Strip and strive for a quick resolution of Hamas, which is the ultimate goal of the war," he said, adding that Hamas must be eliminated and the "Gaza problem" should be solved by encouraging emigration.

"If we do not prevail, there will be more hostages, another October 7, more citizens living in fear. And this will, God forbid, be our legacy to the next generation."

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-859501

Mossad trolls Tehran: ‘We’re following you back,’ Israelis taunt Iran’s generals

The Mossad message cautioned ordinary Iranians: “You may keep watching our content, but for your own safety, please avoid following the page or reacting to our posts.”

Israel’s Mossad disclosed Sunday that three of Iran’s most senior officials — including newly appointed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour — have been quietly monitoring the spy agency’s Persian-language X account.

In a Farsi-language post aimed at Iranians inside the Islamic Republic, the Israeli intelligence service wrote that “the respected gentlemen Pakpour, Mousavi and Araghchi are among our most loyal viewers,” adding that the trio log on using “second phones,” with two of them hiding behind private internet connections.

As “a gesture of appreciation,” the Mossad said it had decided to follow the officials back.

The message then cautioned ordinary Iranians: “You may keep watching our content, but for your own safety, please avoid following the page or reacting to our posts.” The agency promised to “continue providing important information” to its growing Persian-speaking audience.

Who are the unnamed followers?

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour – Promoted to IRGC commander-in-chief on June 13 after his predecessor, Hossein Salami, was killed in an Israeli strike.

Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi – Appointed chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces the same day, filling another vacancy created by Israel’s June offensive.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi – The veteran nuclear negotiator who took over Iran’s Foreign Ministry in August 2024 and has since led Tehran’s diplomacy during the Israel–Iran war.

All three men have publicly vowed revenge for Israel’s June strikes, yet the Mossad’s disclosure suggests they also track Israeli messaging online, a point the agency used to embarrass Tehran’s leadership.

The post is the latest salvo in the Mossad’s month-old digital outreach to Iranians. Earlier messages from the same account have offered VPN tips, telemedicine links, and even direct contact channels for whistleblowers, underscoring Israel’s strategy of separating the Iranian public from its rulers.

Israeli officials say engagement from inside Iran has surged since the June 24 cease-fire ended 12 days of open warfare. Millions of views have been recorded across Hebrew- and Farsi-language platforms, as Israel pushes the narrative that its fight is “with the regime, not the people.”

Iranian state media and the three officials named by Mossad had not responded publicly. In recent days, however, authorities have intensified online surveillance and arrested users accused of sharing “pro-Israel” content, highlighting the risks ordinary Iranians face when interacting with foreign accounts.

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-859423

Lies, damn lies, and 9/11 lies: According to the official account of 9/11, this photo, in which no plane wreckage can be seen, shows the site in rural Pennsylvania where United Airlines Flight 93a Boeing 757crashed on September 11, 2001.

https://x.com/shoestring911/status/1939349004439130460

LA riots vanish overnight after FBI and IRS launch probe into who funded the violence

The riots in Los Angeles started on June 6. They weren’t spontaneous. They followed the arrest of a union leader accused of obstructing ICE operations. Within hours, coordinated social media calls went out. Protesters flooded downtown. Some carried signs. Others carried gas masks and earplugs. By nightfall, it turned violent. Over 550 arrests. Nearly 20 million dollars in damage. Police injured. Businesses torched. It kept going for ten days.

Then something changed.

https://citizenwatchreport.com/la-riots-vanish-overnight-after-fbi-and-irs-launch-probe-into-who-funded-the-violence/

The Australian Government has:

1. Failed to call a Royal Commission into the disaster surrounding the Covid “vaccines” despite a pre-election promise to do so

1. Ordered its lawyers to argue in court that it has no “duty of care” regarding Covid vaccine injuries

1. Failed to properly follow up more than a 1000 reported Covid “vaccine” linked deaths including 35 deaths on the day of injection

1. Changed the way the Australian Bureau of Statistics records the dramatic rise in unexpected non-Covid deaths (Excess Deaths) following the rollout of the Covid vaccines.

1. Advised that irreplaceable QoVax health records will be quarantined from future use and analysis and the destruction of irreplaceable biological samples despite being put on legal notice that such data and specimens may constitute evidence in potential or current legal action claiming Covid vaccine harm.

In short, the Australian Government has done everything it can to avoid responsibility and bury the truth.

https://phillipaltman.substack.com/p/panic-as-australia-races-to-hide

Trump Eyes Kentucky-Israel Caucus' Aaron Reed to Replace Thomas Massie in Congress

President Trump is reportedly looking to recruit Kentucky state senator Aaron Reed, a Christian Zionist member of the Kentucky-Israel Caucus who believes "Israel is God's chosen nation," to replace Rep Thomas Massie in Congress.

From Politico, "White House eyes Kentucky state senator for Massie challenge":

White House officials will host Kentucky state Sen. Aaron Reed in the coming weeks for a discussion about challenging GOP Rep. Thomas Massie in next year’s Republican primary, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the private plans.

President Donald Trump and his political operation have been searching for a candidate to challenge Massie over his opposition to the president’s “big, beautiful bill” and his strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump political advisers Chris LaCivita and pollster Tony Fabrizio have launched a super PAC directed at defeating Massie that’s already running a TV ad attacking the seven-term incumbent.

Reed gave a bizarre "interview" with Kentucky's Voice earlier this week wherein he appeared to be reading off a script given to him by his AIPAC handler.

"Israel is God's chosen nation," Reed said. "We're called as a nation to support Israel … because they're God's people."

"If we want to be a nation blessed by God then we must never turn our back on Israel," he added.

Reed threw shade at Massie for opposing Trump striking Iran without approval from Congress and praised Trump for keeping us out of war by bombing Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities.

"Trump kept us out of war through deterrence," Reed said, praising Trump's bombing campaign.

"Iran isn't just Israel's problem – a nuclear Iran is a threat to every American city and we can't afford to play nice when evil men are building weapons of mass destruction," he insisted.

https://www.informationliberation.com/?id=64972

Donald Rumsfeld’s hidden role in the development of Moderna’s covid injection

The covid and SARS pandemics were deliberately released from laboratories at the behest of pharmaceutical giants and governments, with the goal of profiting from the sale of vaccines and treatments.

Donald Rumsfeld, a former US Secretary of Defence, is identified as a key figure in this scheme, with ties to pharmaceutical companies such as Gilead Sciences and Searle Pharmaceuticals.

Rumsfeld’s connections to these companies and his role in shaping US policy on bio-defence and pandemic preparedness provide evidence of a corrupt system in which pharmaceutical giants and governments collaborate to engineer viral problems and peddle therapeutic solutions for profit.

Pharmaceutical companies and financial institutions have profited significantly from the covid pandemic, with Rumsfeld’s business model of “create the problem, then profit from the solution” being present throughout.

Like countless others, I’ve been obsessed with the mystery of where covid truly originated. As a troubleshooter, I couldn’t resist jumping into the heated debate over its origins. Instead of following the well-trodden paths of lab leaks and wet markets, I wanted to take a different angle: an unseen “hand of capital” that is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Over the past few years, I’ve sifted through an overwhelming number of articles, research papers and government reports about this topic. The deeper I dug, the clearer the answer began to emerge. After piecing all these details together, I uncovered something more interesting and closer to the truth. I contended that the two global pandemics of the 21st century, namely, SARS and covid-19, were deliberately released from laboratories at the behest of pharmaceutical giants and governments.

Thus emerged a fraudulent recombinant coronavirus industry that capitalised on human lives. The mechanism operates as follows: Pharmaceutical giants (e.g. Gilead, Moderna, Pfizer) propped up politicians to positions of power. These captured officials then enable pharmaceutical giants to simultaneously engineer viral problems and peddle therapeutic solutions. After amassing obscene profits, these corporations reinvest in political patronage to perpetuate their interests, ultimately forming a closed-loop Möbius strip of corruption.

https://expose-news.com/2025/06/30/donald-rumsfelds-role-in-covid/

Israel escalates genocide in Gaza amid unjustifiable international silence

Israeli forces have intensified direct and deliberate attacks on Palestinian civilians, increasingly targeting shelters and tents of displaced persons. This escalation reflects a clear policy to further the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, amid the international community’s legally and morally unjustifiable silence.

Israeli warplanes have launched a series of intense airstrikes on densely populated residential areas in the Tuffah neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, killing over 23 civilians, including women and children, and injuring dozens. This attack is part of a systematic policy to destroy Gaza’s social fabric and foundations of life by targeting civilians in homes and displacement camps. It forms part of a genocidal campaign aimed at erasing the Palestinian presence, depopulating the Strip, and subjecting those who remain to deadly conditions of hunger, terror, and constant targeting.

According to documentation from Euro-Med Monitor’s field team, the airstrikes began at approximately 12:30 p.m., targeting a gathering of civilians at the Snafour intersection in the neighbourhood. Three civilians, including two brothers, were killed and several others injured.

The intense Israeli attacks are neither incidental nor isolated, but part of a recurring and systematic pattern of targeting displaced persons already deprived of basic protection and food

At approximately 1:40 p.m., Israeli aircraft resumed bombing, targeting a market stall on Yafa Street. The strike resulted in a horrific massacre, killing 11 civilians, including women and children, and injuring 15 others with varying degrees of severity. Later, at around 3:50 p.m., aircraft bombed the vicinity of Abdul Fattah Hamoud School in the same neighbourhood, targeting a group of civilians. The strike killed nine people, including five children, and injured several others.

In another egregious act fulfilling the criteria of genocide, Israeli aircraft targeted the tents of displaced Palestinians near the Holy Family School in the Rimal neighbourhood, northwest of Gaza City, using a heavy bomb that buried entire tents and their occupants under rubble and sand. Rescue crews recovered the bodies of 11 members of the Abu Amsha family, including nine women and children, while others remain missing.

In a testimony to Euro-Med Monitor, a survivor of the Rimal neighbourhood bombing said: “We thought the tents would be safer than our destroyed homes, but we found death here as well. The bombing was sudden, burying our neighbours’ children under the sand. We don’t know who is still alive.”

The intense Israeli attacks are neither incidental nor isolated, but part of a recurring and systematic pattern of targeting displaced persons already deprived of basic protection and food. These attacks reflect a deliberate policy aimed at forcible displacement and depopulation.

Following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on 24 June, the Israeli army significantly escalated its aerial and artillery bombardment of several areas in the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Most casualties were killed in their tents and shelters or while trying to obtain food or water, whether in markets or near aid distribution centres, which have effectively become tools of killing and humiliation.

https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6767/Israel-escalates-genocide-in-Gaza-amid-unjustifiable-international-silence

UK government to announce supermarkets will police what is in your shopping trolley and limit purchases of “unhealthy” food

The UK government has introduced a new policy requiring supermarkets to reduce the calorie content of average shopping baskets by 100 calories as part of a broader 10-year strategy to combat obesity.

By 2029, the Government plans to introduce mandatory reporting by supermarkets on the Government’s “health targets.” Is it just a coincidence that the 2019 ‘Absolute Zero’ report stated that by 2029 human consumption of beef and lamb will decrease by 50%?

The “healthy food standard” initiative, announced by UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting, involves setting mandatory health targets for retailers, who will have the flexibility to meet these goals through methods such as recipe adjustments, price promotions on healthier items or store layout redesigns. Supermarkets that fail to meet these targets could face financial penalties.

Major UK supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury’s have welcomed the government’s announcement, indicating a willingness to collaborate on implementing it.

But some critics and retail figures have expressed concerns, labelling the plan as “nanny statism” and warning of potential price increases and reduced snack options. Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, criticised the approach, suggesting that Labour’s plan places the nanny state in every supermarket trolley.

Streeting emphasised that the plan is a “world-first approach” and not “nanny statism,” highlighting the collaborative effort with supermarkets rather than heavy regulation.

“Instead of traditional nanny statism, where we regulate more heavily on price or marketing on what’s sold, we’re taking a world-first approach, which is working with supermarkets using data they already collect about the nutritional value of their shopping baskets and shopping trolleys, the average shop,” Streeting told Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

However, Streeting’s “working with supermarkets” includes fines. “Shops failing to meet the mandatory targets could face fines, which retail sources warned could see prices rise,” The Telegraph reported. “Senior retail figures said they had been blindsided by the ‘draconian’ plans, which they said would add to a growing glut of red tape on business.”

“The exact target will be agreed in talks with major retailers, but ministers are expected to push for it to be set at around 100 calories per basket – the equivalent of two cubes of butter,” The Telegraph said.

https://expose-news.com/2025/06/30/uk-supermarkets-will-police-your-shopping/

How Can You Believe the “Nazi Holocaust” After Having Seen the Jewish Lies About October 7th?

Let’s go through some of the big lies that Jews in the Israeli and US governments, as well as the US media, told about October 7th.

1) “40 Beheaded Babies”

Claim

On the day of the event, reports that appear to have originated from i24 News, as well as direct statements from Bibi Netanyahu’s office, claimed that Hamas “terrorists” beheaded 40 babies. (Note: Hamas does not actually fit the definition of terrorists, as there is such a thing as a legitimate resistance group that uses violence, and simply being Islamic doesn’t mean your group is “terrorist.”)

The claim was repeated not just by tabloids, but the likes of Fox News and CNN.

Debunking

In this case, the Israeli government itself later admitted that there was no evidence of 40 beheaded babies. The White House also walked back Joe Biden’s use of the claim.

There was no evidence, despite the fact that the site of the Hamas attack was filmed as much as any place ever, so there was no need for an official debunking. After reporters kept asking about evidence, the US and Israeli governments just admitted it was fake.

2) Mass Rape and Sexual Violence

Claim

The entire Israeli government organized to claim that during the October 7th raid, Hamas engaged in “systematic rape” and “sexual mutilation.”

This rape claim always seemed ridiculous on its face, as while Hamas was across the border for up to 6-7 hours, the actual operation was between 3-5 hours long. These people were in gun fights with the IDF, they were dodging airstrikes, they were taking hostages, all while navigating unfamiliar terrain (and often getting lost, as is seen in Hamas’ own videos and was admitted during interrogations). “Okay boys, let’s take a quick break for rape” always sounded very silly.

Furthermore, as the Jews and their media constantly repeat, Hamas is a strict Islamic group, and based on that, any soldier caught engaging in rape during a military operation would be executed on the spot. If they were doing “systematic rape,” they are not an Islamic group at all, but an irreligious bandit gang, and that is not a claim anyone is making. The media obviously relied on the lack of information the public has about Islamic law, knowing they would not be aware that rape during war is totally banned.

The Koran bans all rape, including of slave girls. Here are specific Hadith that mention sexual violence during war:

Hadith (Sunan Abu Dawud 2158): “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prohibited taking women as captives solely for the purpose of sexual relations.”

Hadith (Sahih Muslim 3371): “Do not kill women, children, or the elderly, and do not commit treachery or rape.”

There is no serious Islamic group that allows rape during war. Even ISIS banned this. You’ll remember that all of the talk about sexual abuse by ISIS was around forced marriage (which is allowed in certain contexts in certain forms of Islam). And Hamas is a much more serious Islamic group than ISIS, which is a CIA- and Israel-backed terror group.

Debunking

An official UN investigation (UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights), which was (quite ridiculously) not released until March 2024 even though it could have been completed and released in a couple weeks, found no evidence of “widespread rape.”

Further, forensic experts from various international rights groups found nothing, while independent investigators from The Grayzone and Mondoweiss (both primarily Jewish outlets) found no evidence supporting the rape claims.

Finally, specific claims were later proven false. The Israeli government had claimed there existed a “Hamas rape manual” which was proved to be totally made up out of nothing.

3) Hamas Burned Families Alive, Purposefully Murdered Civilians

Claim

The entire media was claiming that Hamas “burned families alive” by setting their houses on fire. There was no evidence ever presented.

Debunking

An investigation by Israel publications +972 Magazine and Local Call found that most (not all, but most) civilian deaths in homes were due to Israeli helicopter fire.

Israeli helicopters (actually US helicopters supplied to Israel) also gunned down hostages on Hamas motorcycles, the investigation found.

The IDF later admitted to using the “Hannibal Directive,” which involves using heavy fire to prevent hostages from being taken, and allows for the death of Israelis. The preference, in the doctrine, is that a civilian die rather than be taken hostage.

https://www.unz.com/aanglin/how-can-you-believe-the-nazi-holocaust-after-having-seen-the-jewish-lies-about-october-7th/

Israeli Settlers Set Christian Town ON FIRE In The West Bank!

https://youtu.be/3JYRAzFPGfY

11 Defendants Indicted in Multi-Billion Health Care Fraud Scheme, the Largest Case by Loss Amount Ever Charged by the Department Of Justice

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/11-defendants-indicted-multi-billion-health-care-fraud-scheme-largest-case-loss-amount

Meet The Dystopian Startups Making 'Biological Computers' From Human Cells

Picture a dystopian future where computers don’t just mimic human thinking - they’re powered by actual human brain cells. That future is taking shape in a Cambridge, England, lab, where a groundbreaking device called CL1 is blending biology and technology in ways that could transform how we compute. Developed by Australian startup Cortical Labs and U.K.-based bit.bio, this shoebox-sized machine houses 200,000 lab-grown brain cells wired to silicon circuits, creating a “biological computer” that’s already turning heads.

Unlike traditional computers, which guzzle energy, CL1 operates with the efficiency of a human brain. “Our brains process information using a fraction of the power that modern electronics need,” Hon Weng Chong, CEO of Cortical Labs, told FT. “This could open doors to smarter robots, stronger cybersecurity, and immersive virtual worlds.”

Oh, joy.

Low-energy computing has fueled a race to develop biological systems, with Cortical Labs leading alongside competitors like FinalSpark in Switzerland and Biological Black Box in the U.S.CL1’s brain cells, grown from human skin-derived stem cells, are carefully arranged in layers: one type sparks electrical activity, while another keeps it in check. “It’s like balancing a gas pedal and brakes,” Chong explains. This precision, says bit.bio’s Tony Oosterveen, gives CL1 an edge over rival approaches using less uniform “mini-brains.” The result is a platform for testing how brain cells handle information, with early experiments already yielding insights for neuroscience and drug development.

One of CL1’s quirkiest feats? Playing the classic video game Pong. Its predecessor, DishBrain, learned to move a virtual paddle by receiving electrical “rewards” for good moves and disruptive noise for mistakes. CL1 has taken this further, revealing how substances like alcohol impair performance or how epilepsy drugs, like carbamazepine, boost it. “We’re learning how to ‘program’ these cells,” Chong says, noting that his team is even teaching them to recognize numbers, like distinguishing a nine from a four.

https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/meet-dystopian-startups-making-biological-computers-human-cells

99% of COVID Deaths in NZ were Vaccinated

https://lionessofjudah.substack.com/p/99-of-covid-deaths-in-new-zealand

A Big Beautiful Bill for the Military-Industrial Complex

The US Senate worked through the weekend on the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The goal was to pass it quickly to ensure the House will then pass it and send it to President Trump’s desk before the July 4th holiday.

However, disagreements among Republican Senators over reductions in spending on programs including Medicaid and food stamps as well as language in the bill eliminating “clean energy” tax credits were preventing Senate Republican leadership from getting enough votes to pass the bill.

Also, some Republicans disagree with other Republicans in both the House and Senate on increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Many conservatives see this income tax deduction as encouraging states to maintain high taxes to fund big governments.

One item in the BBB that few Republicans are objecting to is the bill’s increase in military spending. The House version of the BBB added 150 billion dollars to the Pentagon’s already bloated budget. The Senate bill gave the military-industrial complex 156 billion dollars.

Increasing military spending contradicts President Trump’s promise to stop wasting money on endless wars that have nothing to do with ensuring the security of the American people.

Some of the BBB’s military spending will be used to put troops on the border. I support strengthening border security. However, I do not support using the military for domestic law enforcement, which includes enforcing immigration laws. Soldiers are trained to view people as potential enemies, not as innocent civilians to be protected. Introducing this mindset into domestic law enforcement will lead to abuses of liberty.

Increasing spending on militarism while cutting spending on programs that help low-income Americans is bad politics and bad policy. Polls show that the majority of Americans, including many Republicans, do not support overseas intervention.

The growing opposition to our hyper-interventionist foreign policy is easy to understand. The US has engaged in numerous military actions in many countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria since the beginning of the 21st century. The American people pay for this militarism in several ways. One is the “inflation tax” imposed by the Federal Reserve in order to monetize the debt incurred by the US government for endless wars. President Trump has turned his back on his antiwar supporters by bombing Iran and by increasing military spending to over a trillion dollars.

https://www.theburningplatform.com/2025/06/30/a-big-beautiful-bill-for-the-military-industrial-complex/#more-370759

NYT - Guessing About Iran With 'Experts' Who Lack Knowledge Of It

A lot of the misunderstanding U.S. policy makers have of foreign countries is caused by the lousy reporting in U.S. media.

Here is just one of many examples:

After War With Israel and U.S., Iran Rests on a Knife Edge (archived) - NY Times, Jun 29 2025

The Islamic Republic limps on after the 12-day conflict. Where will the nation go from here?

The piece was filled by Roger Cohen - the 'Paris Bureau chief for The Times' - from Dubai.

The opener is somewhat weird:

Roxana Saberi felt like she was back behind bars in Tehran. As she watched Israel’s bombing of Evin prison, the notorious detention facility at the core of Iran’s political repression, she shuddered at memories of solitary confinement, relentless interrogation, fabricated espionage charges and a sham trial during her 100-day incarceration in 2009.

Like many Iranians in the diaspora and at home, Ms. Saberi wavered, torn between her dreams of a government collapse that would free the country’s immense potential and her concern for family and friends as the civilian death toll mounted. Longings for liberation and for a cease-fire vied with each other.

That 'longings' language would fit the opener for some soft-porn essay. But it has nothing to do with the question the piece is supposed to (but does not) answer.

Roxana Saberi is U.S. born to an Iranian mother and a Japanese father. She lives with her parents in North Dakota. Only six out of her 48 years were spent in Iran where she worked until 2009 as a reporter for various western propaganda outlets. After she had been found in possession of secret documents she was jailed and later kicked out of country.

How can she be expected to tell us where Iran will go from here? She can't.

Neither can any of the other persons quoted in the too long piece:

… said Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, a London think tank.

And who is that?

At Chatham House, Sanam directs a diverse portfolio of research and policy initiatives, addressing critical issues such as Gulf Arab security and economic transitions, Iran’s regional ambitions, governance and political reform, women’s empowerment, and the intersection of climate and socio-economic challenges.

Another source of the NY Times:

It is just a remix of the very same opinions that have been blubbered for years.

How is any policy maker supposed to get some understanding of Iran from it?

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2025/06/nyt-guessing-about-iran-with-experts-who-lack-knowledge-of-it.html

Syria’s Al Qaeda HTS Terrorist Government: Bank Wires Money through SWIFT to Italy

SWIFT, the international inter-bank remittance system, reconnected the Syrian banking system to its system, but only after Al Qaeda HTS terrorists took over the Syrian banks, including the Central Bank of Syria.

The transaction, the first in 14 years, was carried out earlier this week between a Syrian-based bank and an Italian bank through SWIFT, the Al Qaeda HTS-appointed governor of the Syrian Central Bank confirmed, adding: ‘The door is now open to more such transactions.’

The USA and its European lackeys banned Syrian-based banks and financial institutions from all connections with the world under their control under the false claims that the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad was oppressing its own people, the ban caused the enormous suffering of ordinary Syrians as it impacted their ability to trade with the world even in food and medicine, the two items the Western regimes claim were exempted from their illegal sanctions.

Yet, the so-called sanctions were lifted by the Western regimes when Al Qaeda HTS, comprised mostly of foreign terrorists, took over the last secular country in one of the costliest regime change wars for Israel carried out by the fading empire of evil.

SWIFT is the acronym for the ‘Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication’, headquartered near Brussels in Belgium, is largely controlled by the FBI and its European allies allowing them to monitor its transactions between more than 11,000 banks across more than 200 countries and territories, under the excuse of monitoring criminal, terrorist, and money laundering transactions especially for amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$ 10,000.

The overt monitoring by the US-based spying agencies came to being after the debated 9/11 attacks which was allegedly carried out by Al Qaeda against the US world trade twin 1 and 2 WTC towers and the third 7 WTC that fell by itself later on that day in solidarity with its sister towers, coincidentally less than 2 months before the ‘terrorist’ attack.

Worth noting that the US and EU-controlled SWIFT also banned Russian banks as a punishment for the Russian ‘unprovoked’ ‘invasion’ of Ukraine, and it practically bans the Afghanistan banking system in compliance with US and European so-called sanctions against the country after Taliban took over, but seems fine with Al Qaeda HTS financial transactions.

US-led NATO-sponsored Al Qaeda HTS terrorists took over Syria after 14 years of a bloody war of terror carried out by tens of thousands of terrorists of Al Qaeda, HTS, ISIS and their affiliates with the help of their Western sponsors and the inaction or little actions by Syria’s presumed allies in defending itself against terrorism. Syria was also under the most brutal regime of sanctions imposed by the same sponsors of Al Qaeda HTS terrorists, the war that cost US and European taxpayers and their Arab proxies hundreds of billions of dollars and euros, and waves of refugees from the entire global south.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/al-qaeda-hts-bank-wires-money-swift-italy/5893227

Oil tanker explodes off Libyan coast after calling at Russian ports – Bloomberg

No injuries or pollution have been reported in the incident so far

An oil tanker carrying around a million barrels of crude has exploded off the coast of Libya. No injuries or pollution have been reported, and the cause of the blast remains unclear.

The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Vilamoura had departed Libya’s Zuetina port and was en route to Gibraltar when the explosion occurred on June 27, followed by flooding in the engine room that left the vessel adrift, a spokesperson for operator TMS Tankers told the media on Monday.

It is the latest in a string of unexplained blasts involving oil tankers that had recently visited Russian ports, Bloomberg noted. According to vessel-tracking data, the Vilamoura called at Russia’s Ust-Luga oil terminal in early April and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) facility near Novorossiysk in May – both of which primarily handle Kazakh-origin barrels.

Four other tankers have suffered similar fates since the start of the year, all of which had previously called at Russian oil ports, maritime risk consultancy Vanguard Tech told Bloomberg.

The incidents come amid heightened scrutiny of maritime traffic linked to Russia, as Western sanctions on Moscow’s oil exports have reshaped global shipping routes. The EU and US have accused Russia and its trading partners of using a ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers operating outside Western insurance rules to bypass the sanctions. Russia has repeatedly denounced the restrictions against its shipping sector as illegal.

In response to the blasts, some shipowners have reportedly begun inspecting hulls for possible mines using divers and underwater vehicles.

Bloomberg noted that Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russia’s energy infrastructure – including oil depots and a gas metering station – since the escalation of the conflict with Moscow. In February, Ukrainian drones struck the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in southern Russia, operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. The CPC serves as a key export route, handling around 80% of Kazakhstan’s crude on the global market. Moscow has condemned the attacks as violations of Ukraine’s ceasefire commitments, and accused Kiev of attempting to derail US peace efforts.

Built in 2011, the Vilamoura has a carrying capacity of 158,622 tons. It is now under tow in the eastern Mediterranean en route to Greece, according to VesselFinder, where the damage is expected to be assessed.

https://www.rt.com/news/620801-oil-tanker-explosion-libya/

Russia places US mercenary chief on terror list

Ryan O’Leary is wanted in Russia for his participation in the Ukrainian invasion of Kursk Region

American mercenary and former US Army National Guardsman Ryan David O’Leary, who fought on Ukraine’s behalf, has been placed on Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists.

The respective entry appeared on the list maintained by Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service over the weekend. The designation carries various repercussions, including an asset freeze, heavy restriction of access to banking services, and other restrictions.

O’Leary, the leader of the so-called ‘Chosen Company’ mercenary group, got onto the radar of Russian law enforcement last year over the Ukrainian invasion of Kursk Region. He is wanted for assorted crimes, ranging from illegally entering the country to committing acts of terror against civilians.

The ‘Chosen Company’ was formed in February 2022, immediately after the conflict between Moscow and Kiev escalated into a full-blown war. The mercenary unit was originally known as the 312th Swedish Volunteer Company and led by Swedish military veteran Edvard Selander Patrignani, who was killed in action later that year. After his death, O’Leary took over, while the unit evolved into a broader group for mercenaries from Western nations.

The unit has been repeatedly accused of committing war crimes during the conflict. Last July, for instance, former German mercenary field medic Caspar Grosse spoke to the New York Times, detailing multiple instances of the fighters with the company executing wounded and surrendering Russian servicemen, as well as POWs already taken into custody. Grosse claimed he had reported the incidents to O’Leary, who flatly denied that his “brothers” had committed any war crimes.

Over the past few months, however, O’Leary grew increasingly critical of the Ukrainian military, accusing it of inept leadership and using its soldiers as cannon fodder. Earlier this month, the mercenary chief claimed he had disbanded the ‘Chosen Company’, stating he was no longer willing to participate in the conflict.

Announcing the decision, O’Leary claimed that “leading people to slaughter for no reason” was purportedly against his “belief and values.” He also accused Ukrainian military higher-ups of behaving like a privileged “caste,” more concerned about their own benefits than anything else. O’Leary bemoaned the Ukrainian command style, claiming that the unit had lost more men to “poor leadership and Soviet thinking” than to direct actions of the Russian military.

https://www.rt.com/russia/620795-us-mercenary-terror-list/

>>23258640

Trump is a fucking joke.

That fat fuck stole me and others work. Now Trump rewards him for it.

>>23258575

>If they only put anons in charge, the country would turn around in two weeks.

Instead we get a fat old compromised ego maniac who can't arrest anyone as he's a kiddy fiddler

So fuck the Christian's?

Jew world order lead by Trumpo

Arrest the manufacturer and those involved????? crickets

Coles recall popular product after it was contaminated by cancer-causing chemicals

Two Coles peanut butter brands recalled

Notice said they were contaminated

Coles' own-brand peanut butter has been urgently recalled after it was contaminated by liver cancer-causing chemicals.

The 1kg tubs of both the smooth and crunchy Coles Peanut Butter, marked with the date February 5, 2027, have been sold across Australia in supermarkets and online.

But on Monday, Food Standards Australia and New Zealand issued a warning that people 'should not eat this product.'.

The watchdog said there was an issue with biotoxin (aflatoxin) contamination.

'Food products containing aflatoxin may cause illness/injury if consumed,' the notice said.

'Consumers should return the product(s) to the place of purchase for a full refund.'

'Aflatoxins are poisonous and liver cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain moulds which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, grains, oilseeds and tree nuts,' Food Standards said in 2023.

If it contaminates food, it can cause liver cancer.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14862603/Coles-peanut-butter-recall.html

Diddy trial verdict chaos as jury surprises judge with note two hours after starting deliberations: Live updates

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial was thrown into chaos on Monday after the jury handed the judge a note just one hour after starting their deliberations.

Around 5pm, Judge Arun Subramanian returned to the bench and said there are 'two letters from the jury.'

The first was a question related to the racketeering charges - specifically on whether one can be found guilty of distribution if another person requests they give them drugs.

The other note informed the court they planned to end at 5pm.

Diddy's legal team appeared to look tense as they huddle together after the jury left for the day while the prosecutors seemed more relaxed and were seen smiling.

The jury will return to court tomorrow at 9am as both side plan to consider their responses overnight.

The first note - which came soon after Diddy's fate was placed in their hands - read: 'We have a juror, no.25, we are concerned cannot follow your honor’s instructions. May you please intervene.'

Diddy, 55, has been charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. He denies any wrongdoing.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14860903/diddy-trial-live-updates-jury-deliberations-court-charges-rapper-future.html

>>23258748

SHOW TRIAL

Starring Comey's daughter as prosecutor

US Government is a joke - run by foreign interests

Senate Rejects Measure to Kick Illegals Off Medicaid 56-44 – RINO Susan Collins Votes No!

The Senate just failed a vote (56-44) on President Trump's OBBB to remove Medicaid benefits from illegal aliens.

If it weren't for the Senate Parliamentarian's interference, this vote would've succeeded with just 51 votes.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1939778551534035103

>>23258800

More grift